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Presley Vintage

October 12th, 2006 admin No comments

Presley Vintage

All Shook Up With Elvis Collectibles? Know How Items are Valued

A History

Elvis Presley collectibles and memorabilia items are among the hottest retro or vintage novelties around today. Elvis collectibles trace back to the 1950's when he was hitting the music charts with several number one singles. A certain Colonel Parker is said to be the one responsible for starting Elvis Presley Enterprises Incorporated, a company that has made a bonanza out of Elvis' tremendous popularity.

Maintaining High Market Value

Well, cashing in on Elvis Presley's celebrity status by putting his name and image on every conceivable object from mugs, clothing, board games, to dolls started a frenzy that to this day has kept on growing. Elvis collectibles are estimated to command a market that can easily be in excess of a billion dollars. And this market doesn't even include Elvis' albums.

As a general rule, the items that were originally produced in the 1950's command the best prices on the collectibles market; and are considered to be profitable investments as their value increases over the passage of time. But apart from the age of the item, other aspects of the items are also considered in determining the market price. The following are the other factors taken into account in determining prices.

Condition

The condition of the Elvis collectible will play a crucial role in determining the item's price. An item in mint condition, meaning the Elvis collectible is still in its original packaging and hasn't been taken out, will generally command the highest price. While collectible items that are worn out will have a smaller market value and might even be worthless.

Authenticity

In a world where intellectual property is constantly being duplicated and pirated, only authentic Elvis collectibles, the ones made by licensed manufacturers, are even given consideration on the market, imitation articles are worthless.

Rarity

The rarity of an Elvis collectible greatly enhances its price. A rare item means it is hard to find and exotic. Avid collectors and investors usually clamor for such items depending on the quality, of course.

Origin

The origin of an Elvis collectible also plays a key role in dictating the price. For instance, as the market is continuously flooded with items made in China, items made in the US are considered more valuable and command much higher prices; after all, Elvis Presley was an American.

If you are just starting to buy Elvis collectibles, always remember the factors listed above to ensure that the value of your collection will appreciate over time.

About the Author

Contributed by Theresea Hughes, a loyal Elvis fan and creator of Elvis Presley Forever, dedicated to providing the site visitor with quality Elvis pictures and articles for your entertainment. Everything you ever wanted to know about Elvis's life, loves and music. Get your free download copy of Elvis Presley biography here. www.elvis-presley-forever.com